Police Arrest 12 in Howard Area Undercover Investigation

November 23, 2013

Dear Neighbor,

I’m pleased to report that Chicago Police Thursday arrested a dozen offenders as a result of an undercover narcotics investigation led by the Chicago Police Department’s Narcotics Section. The investigation focused on narcotics sales in the vicinity of Howard St. and Ashland Ave.

During the course of this investigation, numerous undercover controlled narcotics purchases were made, allowing the investigating officers to identify various offenders that were actively selling illegal narcotics near Willye White Park and the Gale Math and Science Academy. The investigation resulted in the arrest of nine adult males, one adult female, and two juvenile males, as well as the recovery of various amounts of cannabis and crack cocaine estimated to have an approximate street value of over $3,000.

The offenders all face various charges of possession and delivery of cannabis and delivery of a controlled substance. The penalties will be increased because the alleged narcotics purchases occurred within 1,000 feet of a park and school.

Information from community residents assisted in the investigation.

The elimination of this drug market undoubtedly will contribute greatly to the continued reduction in crime and the ongoing revitalization of Howard Street.

Undercover operations often take months to execute because they focus on the gang leaders, not simply the street dealers. The intelligence from community residents proved critical to this investigation. Never assume that your complaints to the police, calls to 911 and attendance at the monthly CAPS beat meetings aren’t worthwhile.

The beat meeting is one of the most important intelligence gathering venues. It’s where the police officers and community residents meet to share information, discuss ongoing concerns and develop strategies to combat those concerns. My office is always represented at these meetings and Commander Waldera almost always attends, as well.

For a schedule of upcoming beat meetings in the 24th District, CLICK HERE.

For a map of the beats in the 24th District and help in finding your beat, CLICK HERE.

Congratulations to Chicago Police Department for taking more dealers off the street and congratulations to our community residents for their invaluable assistance.